Homemade PB-Choco Chip Larabars
Homemade Larabars
I really love Larabars. They are my favorite bars, and I have been eating them for years and years. They were one of the first food-allergy friendly products that I found. The packaged ones only have 2-7 ingredients. Which is something I pay attention to when I buy food. The less ingredients the better. The only problem is that they are pretty dang expensive. When they are on sale they are still a dollar per bar. I have paid this price more times than I would like to admit, because no matter how prepared I am with my food prep, I still need some emergency food to keep in my purse. These bars are not high in protein, but they are my favorite pre-workout meal and afternoon pick-me-up. Packed with dried fruit and nuts they are a perfect source of natural carbs and healthy fats. In college I bought my first food processor, and with that food processor I made my first batch of homemade Larabars! The best thing about this recipe is that you can create as many combinations as your heart desires!
This is what you need for Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Larabar:
*This recipe makes 14-15 bars that measure 1.5X3in
1 lb of Medjool dates(about 30) (You will need to take the pit out of them, just slit down the middle with a knife and take out the pit)
½ cup of unsalted dry roasted peanuts
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp natural peanut butter (not jiff, PB should be made of peanuts and maybe a little salt)
½ cup semi-sweet mini chocolate chips (I use Enjoy Life brand, which is allergy friendly)
1 tsp coconut oil
Directions:
Disclaimer: I have made the mistake of putting all of the ingredients into the food processor at once. DON’T do that! There is an order, and they turn out a lot better if you do it in this order.
1. Put peanuts in food processor and pulse until the peanuts are pea sized. Then empty into a separate bowl.
2. Put all of your pitted dates into the food processor and pulse until it makes a sticky ball. About 15 seconds
3. Add cocoa powder, pb, coconut oil, and chocolate chips into mixture and pulse until mixed well. You might need to scrape sides down. After, add peanuts back into food processor and pulse a few more times.
4. Dump mixture onto wax paper and press together into a ball. Put another sheet of wax paper on top and use a rolling pin or glass cup to roll the mixture into a pressed rectangle.
5. Cut into 14 bars that measure 1.5inX3in. I used a measuring tape to make sure my servings were right.
6. Place each bar into wrapped wax paper or a plastic bag and stick in the fridge in an air tight container. They will firm up and be the perfect snack!
Now that you know this recipe, feel free to explore and add other ingredients that sound yummy to you! I have added things like shredded coconut, dried cherries, cashews, cinnamon, almonds, and whatever your heart desires! We all know that my favorite will always be chocolate and peanut butter!
With love and a happy belly,
-B
